Take Comfort: Comfort Foods That Are Good For You And Your Waistline

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

The cooler weather means warmer clothing and more layers of them, making even the slightest frame look “big and bulky”. And, winter has traditionally been the season where our bodies “crave” comfort foods, such as breads, pastas, soups and stews, which for the most part are laden with copious calories.

Still, nutrition experts assert that with a bounty of season harvest there a way to eat hearty, healthy and calorie consciously.

1. Spaghetti squash: Pasta tastes sooooo good, but if it’s made of white flour can be oh soooo bad, at least when it comes to weight gain and bloating. But, there are plenty of rice and whole wheat varieties that taste just as good and are, for the most part, much better for you. Better yet, how about of delicious veggie pasta, or some delicious spaghetti squash enhances with some heart-healthy homemade tomato sauce. Simply scoop out the middle of a squash, sprinkle it with olive oil and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Then, top off with tomato sauce and your favorite protein such a lean chicken, turkey, beef, or soy.

2. Beans: Almost every, and any type of bean is good for you and full of fiber, which also makes them filling, and ideal for digestion. Plus, they are low on the glycemic index and won’t cause weight gain. Consider adding beans to salads, chilies, and omelets of turn them into dips such as hummus or black bean dip.

3. Seeds and Nuts: Best if raw and unsalted almonds, walnuts and sesame seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids or “good fats”. Plus, they are filling and full of nutrients that won’t make blood sugar levels fluctuate which can lead to weight gain. So, try to snack on a handful of seeds and nuts on a regular basis.

4. Oatmeal: Not only is breakfast “the” most important meal of the day, according to experts, but it can be the one of the healthiest meals of the day. Oatmeal note experts is a “stick to your ribs” food that offers wonderful weight loss potential since it is filling but low on the glycemic index. Furthermore, oatmeal is packed with soluble fiber that binds to bile and helps lower cholesterol. For an added health punch, top off with some anti-oxidant rich berries and fruits.

5. Whole Grains: A great alternative to traditional pastas and breads full of fiber, folate, and vitamin B6, all which help to keep your digestive system working efficiently and well. Plus, they can help you lose weight because they fill you up.

6. Sweet Potatoes and Yams: These brightly colored spuds offer much more nutrition than their white counterparts. They are low in sodium, fat and cholesterol. And, they are low an excellent source of dietary fiber and potassium and a good source of vitamins A, C and manganese, an essential nutrient. However, they are also slightly higher in sugar, so eat in moderation for weight loss.

7. Green Tea: Packed with antioxidants, specifically the antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), green tea is the ideal beverage to warm you up this and every winter. And, it’s been shown to boost metabolism and assist with fat loss. But, according to research, you should drink at least three cups per day to boost metabolic rate and speed up fat oxidation, leading to weight loss.